So you've bought a condominium... Now what?

Often, people who decide to purchase a condominium are looking for a home which will not require a lot of maintenance and will not take time away from their working and/or recreational lives. They do not want to worry about structural repairs, mowing the lawn, etc. They want all of these types of things "taken care of." All this can be possible -- provided there is an active Association funded by adequate human and financial resources.

What exactly is a "condominium?"

When you purchased your condominium, you not only purchased your own unit, but also 1/36 of all the common elements (those portions of the property that are not within an individual's unit). Along with this ownership comes responsibility and liability. The land and buildings must be maintained, insurance policies purchased, etc.

How do the bills get paid?

The Association operates on an annual budget funded by the monthly condo fees. If extraordinary or unforeseen expenses arise, the Board of Directors can create a special assessment.

There are several major factors which affect the amount of condo fees a unit owner will be required to pay:

• Age of the buildings. These condominiums are about twenty years old. When buildings age, not only do they need more repairs, but the type of repairs tend to be more costly.
• Number of units in the complex. Each unit pays a condo fee, so the more units, the more income. This complex contains 36 units.
• Hands-on, owner participation and interest. Each owner should be willing to contribute his or her time to assist with the business of the Association so that maximum property value can be maintained at minimum expense. If you're not willing to contribute your time and talents, rest assured you will be contributing your dollars.

Who makes the decisions?

Our Association has a Board of Directors (three members) who are elected by the owners. They have both powers and responsibilities as set forth in our Bylaws and Declaration.

Each owner owes it to him/herself to be familiar with the by-laws and Declaration, which you should have gotten by now.

Board meetings are held frequently, and notices of these meetings are posted by the mailboxes. All owners are encouraged to attend, as matters directly affecting them are discussed, decisions made, and action taken.

Important Reminder

Our monthly condo fee is currently $210.00, due the first day of each month. Condo fees received after the 10th of the month are subject to a $25.00 late charge, as provided in the bylaws.

Make checks payable to: LA MAISON CONDO ASSOCIATION.

Mail to:

La Maison Condo Association
P.O. Box 7966
Metairie, Louisiana 70010-7966

Helpful Hints

WATER BILL:
As a new resident, please review your water bill. You SHOULD NOT be billed for garbage collection as that fee is paid by the Association.

MAIL:
The mailboxes are located in the center courtyard. Presently mail is delivered Monday through Saturday at approximately 4 to 5 p.m. Outgoing mail will be picked up from your box if it is held by a rubber band or if a note is attached to the letter indicating it is outgoing mail. Notices of meetings and other events are posted on the mailboxes.

DUMPSTER:
The dumpster is emptied on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The days and times of pickup can vary due to holidays, etc., so PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF THE DUMPSTER AT ANY TIME. We will be charged for any additional pickups, and this charge will be assessed to the person necessitating that pickup.

Do not overload the dumpster by placing very large objects in it. If you have large boxes, cut them up first. If you are doing renovations, either have your contractors haul off the debris or only place reasonable amounts into the dumpster at any one time, making sure that it is broken down into reasonably-sized pieces.

If you replace appliances, make arrangements for the company who is delivering them to remove the old ones. The dumpster cannot accommodate stoves, water heaters, etc. NEVER leave bags of garbage on the side of the dumpster as it will not get picked up and will probably get busted and scattered.